Finalists announced for the 2026 Sommelier Challenge!
Sommeliers Australia is proud to announce the four finalists competing for the 2026 Sommelier Challenge: Finding Australia’s Best Sommelier, taking place on Monday, 6 July 2026 in the iconic Sydney Tower at one hatted restaurant Infinity by Mark Best.
After progressing through a highly competitive selection process, finalists Justin Biskup (CARPE VINO, VIC), Clotilde Candusso (Freyja, VIC), Isaac Pockney (Bennelong, NSW) and Paolo Saccone MS (LUCAS Restaurants, NSW) will now face a series of written, tasting, practical and theory examinations as they compete for the title of Australia’s Best Sommelier.
The winner of the 2026 Sommelier Challenge will be announced at a special black-tie dinner ceremony that same evening at two hatted restaurant Lee Ho Fook, with tickets available to the public to attend.
More than 30 sommeliers from across Australia applied to participate in the nation’s premier wine service competition. After undergoing a rigorous online interview featuring questions reflecting Master Sommelier, WSET Diploma, and ASI Diploma level standards designed to test technical knowledge and industry expertise, these four outstanding finalists have secured their place in the final stage of the competition.
Judges for this year’s Sommelier Challenge include noted professionals in the industry including Sommeliers Australia President Louella Mathews, Master Sommelier Andreas Aragon & Sarah Andrew DipWSET (previous Sommeliers Australia President). Previous winners for the Sommelier Challenge include Chris Ryan, Rajat Bhatia, Adrian Filiuta MS and Leanne Altmann (the inaugural winner in 2014).
The winner of the 2026 Sommelier Challenge will earn the honour of representing the nation on behalf of Sommeliers Australia at the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier of the World 2026 competition, to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 11–17 October 2026.
“This 2026 Sommelier Challenge is the modern reboot of Australia’s Best Sommelier of the Year. Beyond being a competition, it provides a pathway for professionals to demonstrate their knowledge on the world stage and engage with the global sommelier community. It strengthens Australia’s wine and hospitality sector by elevating standards of service, deepening collective knowledge, and fostering the exchange of expertise across peers and the next generation of sommeliers. With each candidate contributing to the wine community through a masterclass delivered in partnership with their sponsor,” said Sommeliers Australia President Louella Mathews.
“The Sommelier Challenge would not be possible without the generous support of our Gold Partners: Ruinart, House of Arras, Jim Barry and Pewsey Vale.
“Their commitment to excellence in wine service and education helps elevate the profession across Australia. This collaboration reflects a shared dedication to strengthening industry standards, enhancing brand engagement, and fostering meaningful connections with key industry decision-makers throughout the wine and hospitality sectors. “
Tickets to attend the 2026 Australia’s Best Sommelier Awards Ceremony at Lee Ho Fook are $165.00 and available to purchase now via the Sommeliers Australia website. Guests will enjoy Lee Ho Fook’s celebrated signature dishes, including its iconic duck, accompanied by exceptional wines generously paired by Sommeliers Australia Gold Sponsors Ruinart, House of Arras, Jim Barry and Pewsey Vale.
Media Release – Brian Chase Olson | Blend Public Relations
